THE KING-FISH, OR BARB. 
177 
son, n lad of twelve years of age. They commenced fishing 
at half past seven in the morning, spent half an hour in dining 
at noon, and quit fishing at half past one; having taken with 
their rods in the six hours, four hundred and seventy-two 
king-fish. Their guide was Joseph Bannister. None of 
these fish were taken by him, as he was diligently employed 
during the whole lime in preparing bait. That it may not 
be said that this was a wanton waste of one of the finest kinds 
of fish produced in our waters, it is deemed right to add, that 
a large number of families in the neighborhood were supplied 
gratuitously with them, and none of this lot of noble fish 
were wasted. Mr. Bannister will be found on inquiry at 
Mrs. Phebe Hicks’ boarding house, where the parties were 
Staying. This house is most cheerfully recommended for its 
delightful situation, great cleanliness, excellent fare and kind 
and obliging family, as well as for the highly respectable 
company usually frequenting it. 
“N. B. Mr. Bannister provides a boat and bait, and is the 
oarsman for the day. Ilis charge is $1.25.” 
The friend who so well describes the king-fish, and his 
particular grounds, is among the few who have enjoyed the 
pleasant sport of taking this rare and active game, informs me 
that since the period alluded to, they have visited the harbor 
of New- York but seldom and in small quantities. As there 
is a time for everything, there will no doubt be times when 
the barb will condescend to call on the angling community 
of the goodly city of Gotham, when the foregoing instructions 
will be sufficient to rnuke them “Non semper nou paratus.” 
